Key Shakespearean Terminology

Scene

A smaller unit of a play without a shift in time or place.

Allusion

A reference to a historical or literary event to explain a present situation.

Soliloquy

A speech given alone on stage to express a character’s inner thoughts.

Act

A major division in the play (usually five in Shakespearean plays).

Foil

A character who contrasts with the main character to highlight qualities.

Atmosphere

The mood created by events, characters, or places.

Dramatic Irony

The audience knows something the characters do not.

Foreshadowing

A hint of what’s to come in the story.

Aside

A remark meant for the audience but not heard by other characters.

Tragedy

A type of drama involving human conflict and ending in suffering.

Pathetic Fallacy

The idea that nature reflects the emotions of the characters.

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth.

Comic Relief

A humorous moment in a serious play to lighten the mood.

Archetype

The original model from which characters or plot patterns are formed.

Allegory

A story with a deeper meaning, often teaching a moral lesson.

Hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to a downfall.

Hamartia

A character’s fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.